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Apparel and Textiles

Overview

Apparel and textiles programs prepare people to work with clothing and fabric.

Apparel and textile programs include topics such as:

Concentrations

In apparel and textile programs, students may be able to specialize in:

Schools

Many colleges and universities offer four-year bachelor's degree programs in apparel and textiles. Community colleges also offer two-year associate degrees.

Some colleges and universities offer graduate degrees in apparel and textiles. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor’s degree, good grades, and positive letters of recommendation.

You typically need to have a bachelor's degree in apparel and textiles. Also, depending on the area of graduate study you choose, you may need to complete background college courses. For example, if you wanted to focus on textiles marketing in graduate school, you should take textiles and marketing courses in college.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

You usually don't study just apparel and textiles. In the case of many undergraduate programs, you can choose a concentration. Depending on what you choose, your course work typically includes at least some courses in the following subjects:

Graduate Program Courses

Course work in graduate programs that lead to a master's or doctoral degree vary, but the outline of a typical graduate curriculum looks like the following:

You also typically take courses in statistics and research methodology. This is because graduate work emphasizes independent research.

Many of the programs - both undergraduate and graduate - require some sort of practicum or internship opportunity as part of their curriculum. You might apprentice in a textiles factory where you could help manufacture Berber carpet from start to finish. Or you could work on the sales floor in a retail company and study sales and marketing trends. Whatever internship you end up getting, you will have the benefit of working under the supervision of an experienced apparel and textiles specialist.

Things to Know

If you attend a school that does not offer an internship, consider getting one. It's a great way to meet potential employers and get references for your future job or graduate study plans.

Getting a bachelor's degree in this program qualifies you for many jobs in the apparel and textiles industry. If you're interested in extensive research or teaching at the college level, you should consider getting a master's or doctoral degree as well.

Schools

East Side Area

Central Washington University

Washington State University - Pullman

King-Snohomish Area

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Seattle Pacific University

Tacoma Area

Clover Park Technical College